Creative Australia invests in artists, creative workers and, arts and cultural organisations to foster effective governance that reflects the needs, aspirations and diversity of our communities. Through training, mentorships, networks and dialogue we support skills development, supportive networks and better practice governance.
Use our new Governance Hub to find resources, support and opportunities to help you and your organisation create and sustain effective, meaningful governance practices. Here you can find arts and cultural sector specific guides, templates, case studies and conversations, or explore more in Additional resources and Support.
Guides
In consultation with the sector we have developed a series of guides to developing policies that support effective, efficient and inclusive governance practices. Click the headings to download each guide (PDF file).
Templates
Template policies provide a starting point for adapting policies to your own unique context. Click the headings to view each template (Word or Excel files).
Governance conversations
In collaboration with Diversity Arts Australia, we presented six conversations about critical issues in governance from August 2023 to March 2024.
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Case studies
Explore real world examples of how arts and cultural organisations are supporting diversity, succession planning and fit-for-purpose governance models in practice.
New Territory, Darwin Fringe 2023. Photo credit: Rachael Chisholm
Engaging Young People in Governance at Corrugated Iron Youth Arts
Corrugated Iron has a robust long-standing model for integrating the invaluable contributions of young community members into its governance practices.
KIN creative team and community consultation. Photo by Miguel Rios.
Beyond diversity demographics at Outer Urban Projects
Outer Urban Projects journey to address diversity within its governance model reflects a thoughtful, proactive and responsive strategy.
Attendees at the VIP opening of Louise Zhang ‘No dust left in the lilies’, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, 2023. Photo by Anna Hay.
Intersectional diversity in governance at 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
For 4A, diversity is business-as-usual, with a mission that champions the practices of Asian artists and elevates cross-cultural dialogues between Australia and Asia.
Magabala Board staff. Photo supplied.
First Nations Governance at Magabala Books
Magabala Books’ approach to governance emphasises First Nations control, transparency and consensus decision-making.
Exposed Dancers: Madalene Macera, Charlie Wilkins, Bhodi Hudson. Photo by Roy Vandervegt
Looking to the Future – Succession Planning at Restless Dance Theatre
Restless recently undertook an internal assessment and transformation process, including succession planning which they refer to as ‘human resource planning’.
ADT’s Tracker. Performers: Tyrel Dulvarie, Rika Hamaguchi, Kaine Sultan-Babij. Photo by Pedro Greig.
Navigating and welcoming new leadership at Australian Dance Theatre
ADT recently underwent a transformative process, including significant changes in its board and artistic leadership.
Image supplied.
Setting the Groundwork: AMaGA’s Approach to Succession Planning
AMaGA’s National Council (the equivalent of AMaGA’s board) recently experienced significant generational change in the governance of the organisation.
Explore our research on governance in arts and cultural organisations, along with guidance for best practice. Some of these documents include references to Australia Council for the Arts, now renamed Creative Australia.
- Governance Essentials for Arts Organisations (2021). This guide includes principles and best practice guidelines to support boards and board members of all arts organisations.
- Towards Equity: a research overview of diversity in Australia’s arts and cultural sector – Creative Australia. Published in 2021, this report brings together published and unpublished data and research on representation within the arts and cultural sector in Australia.
- Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) NFP Governance Survey ICDA Spotlight Report: Arts and Culture Governance (2020). Conducted in partnership with the Institute of Community Directors (ICDA) and Our Community, this report provides a snapshot of governance in the arts and culture industry and offers suggestions for benchmarking drawn from the broader not-for-profit sector.
- Australian Institute for Company Directors
- Arts Law Centre of Australia
- Governance Institute of Australia
- Creative Workplaces resources
- Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
- Institute of Community Directors Australia
- Not-for-profit Law
- Cultural Governance Alliance (UK based)
- Australian Charities and Not-for-profits commission
Asia-Pacific Institute in Educational Fundraising (APIEF) 2024
Five-day training event designed for early-to-mid career arts fundraisers.
Creative Leadership Program
A new professional development program supporting 35 artists and creative workers to create transformative change.
Governance Training for Organisations (3-day course)
Foundations of Directorship™ online course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Governance Training for Organisations (1.5-day course)
Foundations of governance for Not-for-Profit Directors with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (online delivery).
Governance Training for Individuals
Foundations of governance for Not-for-Profit Directors with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (online delivery).
Sync Australia Online Leadership Program
Sync Australia – Online is a new online leadership and coaching program exploring Deaf and disabled leadership in arts, culture, heritage and media.
Future Leaders Program
The Future Leaders Program takes place over 12-months and involves three interconnected residentials that will take place either in-person, hybrid and/or digitally, with online learning moments in between. Due to the current uncertainty around travel and border restrictions, residential plans are subject to change.
Arts Leaders Program
The Arts Leaders Program takes place over 12-months and involves three interconnected residentials that will take place either in-person, hybrid and/or digitally, with online learning moments in between. As a participant in our programs, you will join a cohort of mid-career and established arts leaders working within organisations, independently or in community.
Governance Hub
Use this Hub to find resources, support and development opportunities to help you and your organisation create and sustain effective, meaningful governance practices.
Asia-Pacific Institute in Educational Fundraising (APIEF) 2024
Five-day training event designed for early-to-mid career arts fundraisers.
Creative Leadership Program
A new professional development program supporting 35 artists and creative workers to create transformative change.
Governance Training for Organisations (3-day course)
Foundations of Directorship™ online course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Governance Training for Organisations (1.5-day course)
Foundations of governance for Not-for-Profit Directors with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (online delivery).
Governance Training for Individuals
Foundations of governance for Not-for-Profit Directors with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (online delivery).
Sync Australia Online Leadership Program
Sync Australia – Online is a new online leadership and coaching program exploring Deaf and disabled leadership in arts, culture, heritage and media.
Future Leaders Program
The Future Leaders Program takes place over 12-months and involves three interconnected residentials that will take place either in-person, hybrid and/or digitally, with online learning moments in between. Due to the current uncertainty around travel and border restrictions, residential plans are subject to change.
Arts Leaders Program
The Arts Leaders Program takes place over 12-months and involves three interconnected residentials that will take place either in-person, hybrid and/or digitally, with online learning moments in between. As a participant in our programs, you will join a cohort of mid-career and established arts leaders working within organisations, independently or in community.